Anti-inflammatory effect of capsaicin in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells

Cellular proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis: molecular targets for nutritional preemption of cancer

Malignant cells are characterized by abnormal signaling pathways involving proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. These cancer centric pathways are known to be modified by several bioactive dietary components, although admittedly there are inconsistencies in the response. The response is dependent on the amount and duration of exposure to the dietary component and the cell type. While caution should be exercised when extrapolating in vitro data to in vivo conditions, such studies do provide valuable insights into plausible mechanisms. Significant gene-nutrient and nutrient-nutrient interactions may contribute to the uncertainty of the response to foods and/or their components. One of the challenges is the identification of which process(es), either singly or in combination, is/are most important in leading to a dietary-mediated phenotypic change. The dearth of controlled intervention studies that have investigated molecular targets for nutritional preemption in humans make firm dietary recommendations difficult. Until more definite information surfaces, a balanced but varied diet is most prudent.

Bactericidal activity of medicinal plants, employed for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, against Helicobacter pylori

AIM OF THE STUDY

Helicobacter pylori infection plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. The current PPI-based triple regimens for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori faces uprising resistance problem demanding for the search of novel candidates. Medicinal plants have always been a source of lead compounds for drug discovery. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of 50 commonly used Unani (traditional) medicine plants from Pakistan that are extensively utilized for the cure of gastrointestinal disorders to explore the natural source for pilot compounds against Helicobacter pylori.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total seven clinical isolates and one standard strain were employed to examine the bactericidal effects of medicinal plants. Helicobacter pylori was isolated from the antral biopsy specimens and confirmed through the standard microbiology procedures. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the active plants was determined at the concentration range from 7.8 to 500 microg/ml.

RESULTS

Among the herbs evaluated, more than 50% inhibited the growth of eight strains at the concentration of 500 microg/ml. The 70% aqueous-ethanol extracts of Curcuma amada Roxb., Mallotus phillipinesis (Lam) Muell., Myrisctica fragrans Houtt., and Psoralea corylifolia L. demonstrated strong anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with MBC value ranged from 15.6 to 62.5 microg/ml. The most potent bactericidal activity was exhibited by Mallotus phillipinesis (Lam) Muell. which completely killed the bacteria at the concentration of 15.6-31.2 microg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The results revealed significant anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of medicinal plants which could be the potential source of new bactericidal agents.

Gastroduodenal mucosal defense

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The gastrointestinal tract has developed multiple mechanisms of protection from intrinsic and extrinsic sources of injury, including but not limited to drugs, ischemic/reperfusion injuries, and infections such as Helicobacter pylori. We review recent developments in host defense against Helicobacter pylori, duodenal bicarbonate secretion, protection from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gastrointestinal injury, and apoptosis, as well as newer therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Leptin and survivin confer protection against ethanol and indomethacin induced injury. Mucin-1, a cell surface mucin, is an important barrier to gastrointestinal infection. Prostaglandin E(2), Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin, orexins, and carbonated beverages stimulate duodenal bicarbonate secretion.

SUMMARY

Gastroduodenal mucosal defense is a dynamic process, and further insights into these defense mechanisms have and will lead to safer and more effective treatments.